Where to Eat in Belgrade: Antonis Leivadiotis Shares 6 Places Worth Discovering

Belgrade is a city you discover through its neighborhoods, its people, its nightlife and, of course, its food.
The Serbian capital offers much more than the classic ćevapi and pljeskavica. Traditional kafanas, modern riverside restaurants, rooftop venues in the city center, sweet stops in Zemun and relaxed dining by Ada Ciganlija create a food scene that is well worth exploring.
Through his travels and videos across Serbia, Antonis Leivadiotis shares six places to eat in Belgrade, each offering a different experience and a different side of the city.
1. Dva Jelena in Skadarlija
If you are visiting Belgrade for the first time and want to experience the city's traditional side, Skadarlija should definitely be on your itinerary.
Located in the heart of Belgrade's famous bohemian quarter, Dva Jelena is one of the best-known restaurants in the area.
The experience here is not only about the food. The cobbled streets of Skadarlija, the traditional buildings, the atmosphere and the surrounding restaurants create a very different feeling from modern Belgrade.
It is a great choice for travelers who want to combine traditional Serbian cuisine with the atmosphere of one of Belgrade's most iconic neighborhoods.
2. Milky Zemun for Dessert Lovers
Zemun has a completely different character from central Belgrade and is worth spending several hours exploring.
After walking along the Danube or discovering the old streets of the neighborhood, a sweet stop at Milky Zemun is a great option.
Milky is known for its pancakes and desserts, making it a completely different experience from a traditional Serbian meal.
Expect generous pancakes, creative toppings and desserts that are also perfect for social media content.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, it is an excellent way to finish a walk through Zemun.
3. Corso Ancora by the Sava River
Belgrade is closely connected to its two major rivers, the Sava and the Danube, and this is also reflected in the city's restaurant scene.
Corso Ancora is located along the Sava riverfront and offers a more contemporary dining experience.
It is a good choice for those looking for a stylish atmosphere, whether for lunch, dinner, cocktails or a relaxed evening by the river.
This is one of the things that makes Belgrade so interesting: you can have lunch in a traditional kafana in Skadarlija and, just a few hours later, enjoy a completely different experience at a modern riverside restaurant.
4. Mama Shelter Belgrade for Rooftop Dining
For another side of Belgrade's food and lifestyle scene, Mama Shelter Belgrade is located right in the city center, close to Knez Mihailova Street.
Its restaurant and rooftop make it a popular option for visitors looking to combine food, drinks and views over the city.
The atmosphere is contemporary and international, making it different from a traditional Serbian restaurant.
Mama Shelter is a good option if you want to experience the modern Belgrade lifestyle, especially in the evening.
The rooftop is one of the highlights, offering a relaxed setting for food, cocktails and city views.
5. Splav Souvenir: Dining on the Sava
You cannot really talk about Belgrade without mentioning its famous splavovi, the floating venues located along the city's rivers.
One option is Splav Souvenir, located directly on the Sava.
The waterfront location is a major part of the experience.
You are not simply sitting in another restaurant in Belgrade. You are dining directly on the river, surrounded by one of the city's most characteristic environments.
It is a great choice for anyone looking to combine food, drinks and the atmosphere of Belgrade's riverside lifestyle.
6. Smokvica at Ada Ciganlija
From the Sava River, we move to one of Belgrade's most popular recreational areas: Ada Ciganlija.
Smokvica Ada is located by the lake and is a great place to combine food or coffee with a walk around Ada.
The outdoor setting and proximity to the water make it especially attractive during warmer weather.
For me, Ada Ciganlija is not just somewhere to eat. It is a complete experience.
You can walk by the lake, enjoy the atmosphere and then sit down for lunch, dinner or drinks.
And if you are in Serbia, there is one thing you should definitely try:
Ćevapi. Serbia without ćevapi? Never!
What to Eat in Belgrade
Beyond specific restaurants, there are several dishes worth trying when visiting the Serbian capital.
Ćevapi are among the most recognizable foods in Serbian and Balkan cuisine.
You should also look for pljeskavica, kajmak, grilled meats and traditional Serbian dishes.
For breakfast or a quick snack, try burek with yogurt, one of the most classic combinations you will find across Serbia.
But Belgrade is not only about traditional food.
The city's modern restaurant scene is growing, with everything from rooftop dining and international cuisine to riverside restaurants and contemporary cafés.
That variety is exactly what makes eating in Belgrade so interesting.
Where to Eat in Belgrade Depending on What You Want
For traditional Serbian cuisine and atmosphere, head to Skadarlija and Dva Jelena.
For desserts and pancakes in Zemun, try Milky.
For modern riverside dining, Corso Ancora offers a different atmosphere.
For a rooftop experience in central Belgrade, Mama Shelter combines food, drinks and city views.
For a classic splav experience on the Sava River, visit Splav Souvenir.
And for a relaxed meal by the water after a walk around the lake, Smokvica at Ada Ciganlija is a great choice.
Antonis Leivadiotis Shows Us a Different Side of Belgrade
One of the best things about Belgrade is that there is no single way to experience the city.
You can start with traditional Serbian food in Skadarlija, continue with dessert in Zemun, enjoy a rooftop in the city center and finish the day beside the Sava River.
Through his travels and videos in Serbia, Antonis Leivadiotis continues to introduce his audience to restaurants, neighborhoods, local food and experiences that go beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Because a trip to Belgrade is not only about Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova or the Church of Saint Sava.
It is also about the food, the tables, the rivers and the moments you experience along the way.
Planning a trip to Belgrade? Save this guide and discover six different places that show just how diverse the city's food scene can be.


